The weather was nice that day.
Warm sunlight.
Cool wind.
Peaceful.
For once, Sabrina didn't feel afraid waking up in the morning.
No nightmares.
No screaming.
No blood.
Just peace.
And somehow—
Alexander was always part of that peace now.
The royal carriage moved slowly along the road while the guards followed behind from a distance.
Inside—
Alexander sat quietly beside the window, holding several military documents in one hand.
Serious as always.
Even during a simple outing.
Sabrina stared at him for a moment before sighing softly.
"...You're working again."
Alexander immediately lowered the papers slightly.
"My apologies."
Sabrina blinked.
Then laughed softly.
"No, that's not what I meant."
Alexander looked at her quietly.
Sabrina rested her chin against her hand while staring at him.
"You work too much, Alex."
Silence.
Alexander lowered his gaze briefly.
"...It's my responsibility."
There it is again.
Responsibility.
Duty.
Always duty.
Never himself.
Sabrina's chest tightened faintly.
Charles always knew what to say.
Sweet words.
Pretty promises.
He knew how to make her heart flutter.
But Alexander—
Alexander never spoke beautifully.
Yet somehow—
He was always there.
Quietly protecting her without asking for anything in return.
Sabrina slowly looked outside the carriage window.
No wonder she misunderstood him before.
Because his love was too quiet.
Too silent.
The carriage finally stopped near the riverside.
The moment Sabrina stepped outside, fresh air brushed gently against her face.
The river sparkled beautifully beneath the sunlight while flowers swayed softly nearby.
Beautiful.
Calm.
Alexander stepped down after her naturally.
Then immediately offered his hand.
Like always.
Sabrina stared briefly at his hand before placing hers against it.
Warm.
Her fingers curled slightly unconsciously.
Alexander paused faintly.
Then gently helped her down.
Simple actions.
Yet somehow—
Her heart always reacted to them now.
The servants quickly began preparing the picnic nearby while Sabrina slowly walked toward the river.
Meanwhile—
Alexander followed behind her quietly.
Always close enough to protect her.
Never too close to make her uncomfortable.
Sabrina suddenly turned around.
"Alex."
Alexander immediately looked at her.
"Yes, Princess?"
Sabrina frowned slightly.
"There you go again."
Alexander blinked.
"...Again?"
"You keep calling me Princess."
"...Because you are."
Sabrina puffed her cheeks slightly.
"...You're too formal."
Alexander visibly looked caught off guard.
Sabrina almost laughed immediately.
This man truly became nervous over the smallest things.
"...Then what should I call you?" he asked quietly.
Sabrina froze briefly.
Then awkwardly looked away.
"...Whatever you want."
Alexander strangely looked relieved hearing that.
And Sabrina finally laughed.
"What kind of answer is that?"
Alexander quietly cleared his throat.
"...A safe one."
That made her laugh even more.
And for a moment—
Alexander simply watched her quietly.
Because lately—
He realized he liked hearing her laugh.
Far too much.
Sabrina slowly walked closer toward the river before crouching slightly near the water.
Alexander watched her carefully.
Then suddenly—
Splash!
Cold water hit the side of his sleeve.
Alexander froze completely.
Sabrina immediately burst into laughter.
"Your face—!" she laughed helplessly. "Alex, your face is too serious!"
Alexander slowly looked down at his wet sleeve.
Then back at her.
"...Princess."
But Sabrina could already see it.
That faint helplessness in his eyes.
Not anger.
Just surprise.
And somehow—
That made her laugh harder.
"You should've seen yourself!"
Alexander stared at her silently for several seconds.
Then quietly—
"...Was that amusing?"
"Very."
Sabrina grinned proudly.
Alexander narrowed his eyes slightly.
"...I see."
Something dangerous suddenly appeared in his expression.
Sabrina immediately noticed it.
Wait—
Before she could react—
Splash!
"Ah?!"
Cold water hit her arms instantly.
Sabrina stared at him in complete disbelief.
Alexander slowly lowered his hand.
And for the first time—
She saw it.
The faintest smile near his lips.
Small.
Brief.
But real.
"You splashed me?!"
Alexander calmly looked away.
"...You started it."
Sabrina gasped dramatically before immediately splashing him again.
Alexander froze.
Splash!
Another splash hit Sabrina before she could escape.
"Alexander!"
Her laughter echoed beautifully near the river.
And suddenly—
She ran.
Alexander stared briefly before following after her immediately.
"Princess, you'll slip—"
Too late.